Formation of columnar-grained structures in directionally solidified Fe-6.5wt.%Si alloy

Fe-6.5wt.%Si high silicon steel has superior magnetic properties such as high permeability and low core loss. However, such high Si content results in room-temperature embrittlement and poor workability due to the formation of the ordered intermetallic phases in the Fe-6.5wt.%Si alloy. The thin sheet production of this alloy with high silicon contents by mechanical deformation is very difficult due to its extreme brittleness. Zone Melting Liquid Metal Cooling (ZMLMC) directional solidification technique was employed to produce the Fe-6.5wt.%Si alloy with columnar-grained structures.